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nissan
Nissan sold under the name "Datsun" in the USA for many years (until about the early 1980's). At that time, Nissan began to migrate away from the "Datsun" nameplate. The reason for this move is itself an interesting piece of trivia. When Nissan made the decision to sell cars in the USA in the early 1960's, Nissan executives were fearful of total failure and "non-acceptance" of their cars. Nissan elected to use the name "Datsun" in the USA so they would not be shamed if the cars did not sell well. When Datsun Sales exploded in the 1980's, Nissan then began to change over from Datsun to Nissan.

Nissan/Datsun introduced this car in the late 1970's as the Datsun 810. This model was a well equipped "top of the line" four door sedan, although very "cheaply" designed and small. In 1981, Nissan re-designed the model to include the straight in-line 6 cylinder engine as in the 240Z. Also, the name was changed to Datsun 810/Maxima. From 1982-84, the model was the basically the same, but was now called just Nissan Maxima. The 1985 model was a major re-design as indicated here (including the new v-6 engine). 1986 is almost identical to the 1985 with some minor changes. The 1987-88 models were essentially a facelift of the 1985-1986 models. You pretty much know the rest, except you may not know about floaters during the 80s. Click here to read and see if your Max may be one.

1985-88
Premium front-drive sedan and wagon carried a 3.0-liter V-6 engine-as in the 300ZX sports car. Rivaling Eurostyle sport sedans, the SE had only 5-speed manual shift until '87, while GL models carried overdrive automatic. A GXE series replaced the GL for '87. Road manners are capable with all-independent suspension. For 1988, a high-tech suspension with sonar-like sensor matched ride characteristics to road conditions. Refined, powerful V-6 delivers fine performance, but fuel mileage disappoints. Loaded with luxury fittings, including an anti-theft system since '86, Maximas offer good value for their high prices.

Price Range	Good	Average	Poor
1985 Maxima	$3600-4300	$3100-3700	$2300-3100
1986 Maxima	4400-5100	3800-4500	2900-3800
1987 Maxima	5300-6100	4700-5500	3600-4700
1988 Maxima	6800-7800	6200-7100	4900-6200

Diminsions	Wheelbase	Length	Height	Width	Weight	Cargo	Fuel
4-door Sedan	100.4"	181.7"	55.1"	66.5"	3060 lbs	14.5 cu ft	15.9 gal
5-door Wagon	100.4"	184.6"	56.1"	66.5"	3296 lbs	31 cu ft	15.9 gal

Engines	L/CID	Horsepower	MPG	Available
Overhead Cam V-6 FI	3.0/181	158	18-23	1985-88

1989-98
Aerodynamic sheetmetal replaced the boxy look of the former Maxima, and the station wagon disappeared, leaving only a 4-door sedan. Wheelbase grew by four inches, to turn the prior front-drive compact into a roomier mid-size. Powerplant remained the 3.0-liter V-6, now rated at 160 horsepower. Luxury GXE came with a 4-speed automatic transmission only; the sporty SE with either automatic or a 5-speed manual gearbox, plus 4-wheel disc brakes (and optional anti-lock brakes). Some GXE's include an Electronic Package with Sonar Suspension that adjusts shock-absorber damping automatically, plus a helpful heads-up instrument display. An SE, especially with 5-speed, qualifies as an agile and sure-footed sport sedan, marred only by a rather harsh ride. For much softer motion, choose the GXE, but it can get woozy on curvy roads. Leg room is plentiful; head room limited in back. The automatic transmission downshifts too lazily for swift highway passing. Maxima's are a bit noiser than some rivals, though performance is a plus, especially with manual shift. Gas mileage is so-so. For 1992, a 190-horsepower twin-cam version of the V-6 went into the SE, and both models could get a driver-side air bag and antilock braking. The air bag became standard for '93. Today's Maxima is a tempting and reliable luxury sedan.

Price Range	Good	Average	Poor
1989 Maxima	$9000-10,500	$8300-9800	$7000-8300
1990 Maxima	10,500-12,000	9600-11,000	8200-9600
1991 Maxima	12,500-14,500	11,500-13,500	9500-11,500
1992 Maxima	14,500-16,500	13,500-15,500	11,500-13,500
1993 Maxima	16,500-19,000	15,300-17,800	13,000-15,300
1994 Maxima	19,500-22,500	18,500-21,00	-----

Diminsions	Wheelbase	Length	Height	Width	Weight	Cargo	Fuel
4-door Sedan	104.3"	187.6"	55.1"	69.3"	3086 lbs	14.5 cu ft	18.5 gal

Engines	L/CID	Horsepower	MPG	Available
Overhead Cam V-6 FI	3.0/181	160	18-23	1989-94
Double Overhead Cam V-6 FI	3.0/181	190	18-23	1992-97

future plans
With the 300ZX discontiued in the United States, there may be some possible alternatives to sports cars produced by Nissan. One concept is a two-door model of the Maxima. Perhaps we may see the tired 240SX finally gain its long awaited performance boost. Or how about the introduction of a 300SX. Showing a similar design to the 240SX, however leaning more towards the styling of the 300ZX. Maybe even adopting the 3.0 from the Maxima. The availability of a turbo charger on more Nissan models may not be such a bad idea either. I know I'm not alone when I say they should produce a US version of the Skyline GT-R. With its twin-turbo, high-rpm, inline 6, this Viper munchin' machine could be a hot seller over here. Though it would sport a higher sticker price than the 300ZX ever did. And I'm sure Stillen could come up with some bolt on parts to make it a wilder street monster. Hmmm... an SMGTR... Most of these, with the exception of the two-door Maxima, are merely speculation.

Who knows. Nissan Motors produces excellent cars here in the states, and has even a wider selection over seas. They probably have something in store for us in a couple of years.

If anyone has any more info, please let us know! We want this to be as complete as possible.

Some information shown comes from Consumer Guide "Best Used Car Buys".